revealed glory #23

The ministry of Jesus begins with the end in mind. The culmination of history is going to be a heavenly wedding. The final scene of God’s story is the feast of the marriage of the Lamb, Jesus the bridegroom, to His bride, the body of Christ. 

“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb.” Revelation 19:9

How symbolic then, that first miracle of Jesus is not healing, deliverance, or something super spiritual. It was saving the day at a wedding reception. He turned water into wine.

Here’s the story:

There was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. Jesus and his disciples were guests also. They started running low on wine at the reception. Jesus’ mother told him, “They’re just about out of wine.”

 Jesus said, “Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.”

But she went ahead anyway, telling the servants, “Whatever he tells you, do it.” John 2:1-5 (MSG, Edited)

“It’s not our business, not our problem, and not my time.”

Wow, Jesus said that.

Notice, He didn’t infer “I couldn’t care less”. “My time has not come” was an expression alluding to his destiny with the cross, death and resurrection.

Ready or not, the Son of God had been presented with a problem and a request. For the Son of Man, it was not too big of an ask. When the time came, He revealed His glory. How could He not?

He had them fill six large stone jars with water. That’s a lot, maybe over the top. The amount of wine and it’s superior quality were signs of extravagance. “You have saved the best wine for last!”

People noticed, his followers and the servants who filled the jars with water – were all blown away.

“He thus revealed His glory and they put their faith in him.” John 2:11 NIV

I like how the The Voice translation puts it:

“Jesus performed this miracle, the first of His signs, in Cana of Galilee. They did not know how this happened; but when the disciples and the servants witnessed this miracle, their faith blossomed.” John 2:11 The Voice

Jesus came to show us the Father and to give us abundant life. Later, the generosity of his blessing was manifest when the multitudes were fed – twice – and there was plenty left over.

The wedding at Cana was a cause for joy. The wedding of the Lamb will be a reason to rejoice.

Ready or not, whatever comes to you, rejoice. The Lord will provide what you need.

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About Season Of Light

I am writing a devotional series called “Season of Light” (#SeasonOfLife) during the beginning of 2016, focusing on the 40 day season of Epiphany (from January 6 – February 10). We’ll explore the major biblical themes of the beginning of Jesus ministry, and I’ll comment as the Holy Spirit inspires. This is for the purpose of growing in our relationship with the Lord. My desire – my hope and prayer for you – is that your heart may expand and your spirit grow brighter as we seek to be filled with the knowledge and presence of God. So, I invite you to join me on the “Season of Light” journey!

Often I’ll be inspired by a scripture from the Daily Audio Bible readings and use that as a writing prompt. Here’s the DAB readings for January 23: Genesis 46:1-47:31; Matthew 15:1-28; Psalms 19:1-14; Proverbs 4:14-19

Our church is also on a reading plan of four chapters per day, starting in the New Testament. Today is Luke 9-12.Â